I know what you’re thinking cause I thought it too. Here is how I got to seeing this movie. I saw the trailer for it and I was like oh HELL no. Then, I heard the song from the trailer on Pandora. My ears perked up to this vaguely familiar, melancholy song – and I thought – hey, that’s a good song! I had to listen to the song on repeat for a few days and then watch the trailer again. That’s when I decided I actually needed to watch the movie. And I’m glad I did. Despite the horrendous preview (for my tastes), I sat through the movie, suspended by the good-looking actors and decent love story! I do like to surprise myself from time to time, keeps me on my toes.

There are several crucial elements to this movie that makes it a good romance. First of all, the leading lady, Amanda Seyfried, is a charming and intelligent young woman. I can actually see why a stallion like Channing Tatum would fall madly in love with her in two weeks. That’s the problem with many of these movies (eg The Notebook), I just don’t see what there is to love, but a pretty face. Secondly, it’s not just about two lovebirds, but about other important relationships and priorities. Channing Tatum’s father, played by Richard Jenkins, is a neurotic shut-in with autistic tendencies. I appreciated the inclusion of people with disabilities with subltley and grace. Fourth, I enjoyed the incorporation of 9/11 in the film. I haven’t seen very many movies where the writer/director successfully includes an important, recent historic event. Usually, it’s a complete distraction and utter failure (eg Benjamin Button). But here, it fit well and flowed with the story. I even enjoyed the moment it happened – a creative and subtle reenactment of the experience. Maybe because it’s personal for me, but that’s almost exactly how I found out – on my way home from class in college. Lastly, there’s an element of keepin it real that I like – I don’t wanna spoil anything, so I’ve got to limit it to that. I think this movie is under-appreciated. If you like romantic movies, go for it, watch Dear John… $5